16
| Hospitality Today | Oct / Nov 2016
EUROPEAN FOCUS
Les Saisies : Sun , ski ,
Les Saisies may be the best French ski resort you have never heard of , long overshadowed in the UK market by its near neighbour Megève . Situated at an altitude of 1650m , only 30 kilometres from Albertville , the Saisies mountain pass lies between the Beaufortain and Arly valleys , linking the Savoie and Haute Savoie regions .
The tourist office is trying to make Les Saisies better known in the UK market , which is so important to the French ski industry .
There are stunning panoramic views of Mont-Blanc from in and around the resort – whose centre includes a good choice of restaurants ( such as the Malabar Princess , specializing in dry-aged local beef ), shops specializing in the superb local cheeses and charcuterie ( don ’ t miss trying the local aged Beaufort cheese ).
Two different ski areas are available in Les Saisies . The first is the ‘ Alpine ’ skiing area , with 77 kilometers of slopes ( just Les Saisies ) or 192 kilometers of slopes including the whole ski area of Espace Diamant . Skiing is rated suitable for all , from beginners to advanced , who can enjoy the views of Mont Blanc and the other mountains of Beaufortain and Aravis . The slopes will be open from from December 17th 2016 to April 21st 2017 .
Secondly , the so-called ‘ Nordic ’ ski area in Les Saisies boasts a world-wide reputation . In 1992 , the resort welcomed all the Nordic events , both cross-country and Biathlon , during the Albertville Winter Olympic Games .